Thousands of South West members of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) are taking action to protest against pay changes, conditions, pensions and workloads.

Four classes at the Vicarage Road site in Sidmouth are affected.

Parents were notified of the news at the beginning of the month by headteacher Paul Walker. He told them in a letter on July 3: ““I am in no way supporting, or condoning, the views and rights of colleagues.

“I know that this is an issue that divides opinion. I am also aware that we will not win favour with many.

“I realise that closing classes does cause inconvenience for parents who themselves may be struggling with the results of recession and cutbacks. Please

be assured that our staff are aware of this and it causes them great concern.

“Staff appreciate that it may be necessary to adjust or adapt the present pay and conditions in the light of the current economic situation, but they feel that the current proposals are unreasonable.”

Sidmouth College and Sidbury and Newton Poppleford primary schools are unaffected.